The Righteousness of God

Music ministers are responsible to know the theological truths about righteousness and what has been done to restore the unrighteousness of humanity. This study looks at three Scriptures to help us grasp what God's righteousness is, what human righteousness looks like apart from God, and how we can receive it.

1. The Righteousness of God

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel” (Psalm 89:14-18, NIV). The psalmist elaborates on the righteousness and justice of God who is eternal. From eternity past to eternity future, the unchanging nature of God remains the same. During our collective time of worship, we have the opportunity to engage the congregation to sing about these truths to be encouraged and reminded about the love and transformational power of God working in our lives. How wonderful to know that we can thank Him all day long for caring for our every needs. The perfect righteousness of God gives us hope and comfort in every situation of life.

 2. Righteousness Apart from God

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away” (Isaiah 64:6, NIV). Apart from God, human righteousness is like that of a filthy rag that is blemished with stain. We cannot save ourselves. No matter how many good deeds we do, we are still tainted with sin. Humanity is hopelessly lost without the redeeming power of God. It is only because of the righteousness of God we are redeemed, restored, justified, and forgiven because of what Jesus has done. To lead worship is to lead people to the righteousness of Christ who freely gives His righteousness for our rags. God desires all to experience personal freedom and transformation.

 3. Righteousness Given

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV). God wrapped himself in flesh, walked perfectly among us demonstrating complete obedience to the Father as our example. He humbly submitted himself to the beating and torture of the cross as a sacrifice bridging the gap between humanity and God. The perfect life of Christ was traded for our imperfectness. Our sin and shame were visibly seen upon the body of Christ as a payment that was settled for the redemption of our souls. His life was given as a ransom for all who call upon his name for forgiveness. How precious and tender is the love and mercy of God who gives us new life now and forevermore.

Video Lecture: The Righteousness of God

Jonathan Michelsen, M.A., B.S.

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